Safest destinations to travel in 2022*
Just as some of the premier tourist destinations across the world started to reopen for tourism after a long gap due to the COVID pandemic, things again turned bleak after the emergence of Omicron, the new COVID variant.
Its emergence in late November led to tightened entry requirements and heightened travel advisories. The current situation leaves us thinking if in 2022, travellers will be able to venture out without any second thoughts.
If safety is your priority, along with travel, you can check out these places, based on the latest US State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance as well as data from the 2021 Global Peace Index (GPI), which ranked more than 160 countries across the world on many categories.
United Arab Emirates
Dotted with some of the best tourist destinations, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East is one of the countries that received a Level 1 travel advisory heading into 2022. The CDC also stated that the country might witness a low level of COVID-19 infections in the UAE, which ranks a solid 26th worldwide on the GPI.
British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands, just like the United Arab Emirates, rang in the New Year by receiving Level 1 travel advisory from both the CDC and the State Department. As per the latest news reports, the islands are open to international travel, whereas respective officials also recently eased entry protocols for fully-vaccinated individuals.
Jamaica
Jamaica received the Level 2 grouping, which means this destination can also be given a thought if someone is desperate to explore a new spot. However, officials in the know-how urged visitors to exercise increased caution due to COVID-19, while the CDC indicated that the island’s borders might witness a moderate rise in Coronavirus cases.
The Bahamas
Those who have always wanted sun, sand, and sea in their vacations, can travel to this beautiful destination, and witness the magic of this combination. The islands also received Level 2 travel advisories from both CDC and the State Department in December. Tourism officials here stated that such an advisory indicated that their protocols and protective measures to combat COVID-19 in the Bahamas are working.
Fiji
Dotted with numerous beautiful islands, Fiji has been a bucket-list destination for many travellers! Reports have it that the country has reopened with COVID-19 testing requirements in place, and it’s interesting to note that it received Level 1 on the State Department’s travel advisory scale. Further, the CDC has kept it at a Level 1 travel advisory, indicating a low level of the virus here.
New Zealand
Since the COVID pandemic hit the world in 2020, New Zealand has remained off-limits to most travellers across the world. However, with the arrival of 2022, industry experts are hopeful that international tourists will likely be able to visit the country soon.
Grenada
Grenada received Level 2 travel advisory, whereas the State Department urged travellers to exercise increased caution when in Grenada due to COVID-19. The CDC has also issued a similar Level 2 Travel Health Notice for the Caribbean island, indicating that this destination will likely witness a moderate level of Coronavirus infections. Note, the Spice Isle is open to travellers with COVID-19 vaccination, quarantine and testing requirements in place.